MY Bharat–NSS Chintan Shivir Begins in Bengaluru to Boost Youth Participation

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Mandaviya said India’s youth must not remain passive participants in development but should become architects of the country’s future.

The Department of Youth Affairs under the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports on Friday inaugurated the two-day MY Bharat–NSS Chintan Shivir in Bengaluru, bringing together youth development stakeholders from across the country to chart a roadmap for empowering India’s youth as partners in nation-building.

The deliberative event, being held at the Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (inStem), focuses on strengthening collaboration between MY Bharat and the National Service Scheme (NSS) while developing strategies to mobilise India’s “Amrit Peedhi” toward the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.

Mandaviya Calls Youth Architects of India’s Future

The Chintan Shivir was inaugurated by Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya and Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports Smt. Raksha Nikhil Khadse, in the presence of senior ministry officials including Dr. Pallavi Jain Govil, Secretary, Department of Youth Affairs; Shri Nitesh Kumar Mishra, Additional Secretary; and Shri Shiv Ratan, Joint Secretary.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Mandaviya said India’s youth must not remain passive participants in development but should become architects of the country’s future.

He emphasised that every young citizen should develop their own vision of a developed India and contribute actively to achieving the national goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047.

The minister highlighted that achieving this vision requires strong synergy, coordination, networking and continuous exchange of experiences among institutions working in youth development.

Strengthening Youth Networks Across the Country

Dr. Mandaviya also proposed several measures to expand youth engagement nationwide. He stressed the importance of building structured youth networks at district and block levels, including youth clubs, NSS volunteers and digital outreach groups.

He highlighted the role of MY Bharat’s digital platforms and social media coordination in connecting youth across regions and enabling greater participation in national initiatives.

The minister further called for stronger integration of State-level youth platforms with the MY Bharat ecosystem, enabling recognition and encouragement of youth-led initiatives.

He also emphasised closer coordination between MY Bharat, NSS, universities, State governments and district administrations, suggesting regular coordination mechanisms and innovative youth programmes at the State level. Monthly youth club activities involving sports and community engagement were also proposed to strengthen grassroots participation.

States Share Experiences and Best Practices

Officials and representatives from 10 States and Union Territories participated in the first day’s deliberations, including Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Odisha, Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra.

Setting the agenda for the discussions, Dr. Pallavi Jain Govil outlined the objectives of the Chintan Shivir, emphasising the need for integrated planning, institutional coordination and stronger youth engagement through MY Bharat and NSS platforms.

During the sessions, representatives from Chhattisgarh, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Telangana presented successful models and innovative practices in youth mobilisation and volunteer engagement.

Digital Platforms to Strengthen Youth Engagement

A key highlight of the discussions was a presentation on the Digital Youth Engagement Framework, which showcased best practices for onboarding and engaging young citizens through the MY Bharat Portal.

Officials explained how digital tools can help expand youth participation nationwide by connecting volunteers, youth clubs and community organisations through a unified platform.

Roadmap for Annual Action Plan 2026–27

The afternoon session focused on strategic discussions related to the Annual Action Plan (AAP) 2026–27, including the convergence of MY Bharat and NSS initiatives.

Participants discussed issues such as youth club sustainability, lessons from the implementation of AAP 2025–26, and new strategies to strengthen volunteerism and grassroots engagement.

Minister of State Smt. Raksha Nikhil Khadse, presenting the guiding vision for the Chintan Shivir, emphasised the transformative role of youth participation and volunteerism in nation-building.

She highlighted the importance of strengthening youth clubs, NSS units and MY Bharat initiatives so that young people can contribute meaningfully to community development and national progress.

Platform for Policy Dialogue and Collaboration

The deliberations were held under the theme “Samvaad Se Samadhaan” (Dialogue to Solutions), focusing on cross-learning, policy alignment and collaborative action among States and youth organisations.

The first day concluded with a summary of key insights and agenda setting for the second day, followed by a cultural ensemble performed by MY Bharat volunteers celebrating the diversity and spirit of India’s youth.

Officials said the outcomes of the MY Bharat–NSS Chintan Shivir will help strengthen youth engagement mechanisms and build a coordinated national framework to mobilise young citizens toward the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.